23 July, 2017
Iran and Iraq signed an initial agreement on Sunday to boost military cooperation in various areas, including counterterrorism efforts.
Iran and Iraq signed an agreement on Sunday to step up military cooperation and the fight against "terrorism and extremism", Iranian media reported, an accord which is likely to raise concerns in Washington.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, the two ministers expressed the hope that the deal would lead to deeper, more serious military cooperation between the two sides.
National unity and integrity in Iraq would guarantee stability, security and interests of all ethnic groups in the country, he said, adding that Iran would never accept disintegration of Iraq.
Major General al-Hiyali, heading a high-ranking Iraqi defense delegation, arrived in Tehran on Saturday at invitation of Brigadier General Dehqan.
Given the two countries' common goals and interests, he said, ties between Iran and Iraq need to be expanded.
Gen. Hossein Dehqan and his Iraqi counterpart Maj.
Shamkhani also voiced Iran's support to the Iraqi armed forces in the fight against terrorism, as well as assistance in restoration and development of Iraqi cities.
The Iraqi Army will response to any aggression and occupation of its territory and will not permit formation of new seditions and breach of law aimed at partitioning of the country, he added.
He also lauded Iraq for its victories against Daesh (ISIL or ISIIS) terrorists, saying that while United States officials had suggested it would take seven years to force Deash out of Iraq, the Arab country's people, army and popular forces, backed by religious leadership, managed to recapture occupied areas from the terrorist group in a short time.
